The San Francisco 49ers are riding high with a 3-0 start to the 2025 NFL season, a stark contrast to the Houston Texans’ dismal 0-3 opening. While the 49ers’ early success is cause for celebration, they must remain cautious and avoid complacency. Despite their strong start, the team has areas that need improvement, particularly at the safety position. However, a recently released player from the Texans, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, is not the answer to their problems, no matter how tempting his skills may seem.
Houston Texans safety CJ. Gardner-Johnson (8)
A Position of Need for the 49ers
The 49ers’ safety position is a weak spot. Veteran Jason Pinnock is a known quantity in the defense but delivers only average performance. Rookie Marques Sigle shows promise but struggles significantly in coverage, leaving the team vulnerable. With Malik Mustapha sidelined, the 49ers could benefit from reinforcing this position. The sudden availability of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a talented safety with experience, might seem like a perfect fit at first glance. However, the 49ers must look beyond his on-field abilities and consider the bigger picture.
The Toxic Trouble in Houston
The Houston Texans’ decision to release Gardner-Johnson after just three games speaks volumes. The primary reason for his departure is his toxic behavior in the locker room. Reports indicate that Gardner-Johnson was quick to throw teammates under the bus, lashing out in frustration over Houston’s 0-3 start. While losing can test any player’s patience, his approach—publicly criticizing teammates—crossed a line that no team can tolerate.
Beyond his attitude, Gardner-Johnson’s performance on the field was far from stellar. He frequently abandoned his assignments, costing the Texans’ defense critical plays. Social media posts, including a tweet highlighting his failure to stick to his role, further exposed his shortcomings. For a team already struggling, his actions only compounded their woes, making his release an inevitable move for Houston.
Why the 49ers Must Steer Clear
The 49ers may be tempted to overlook Gardner-Johnson’s issues in favor of his talent, but doing so would be a grave mistake. A toxic player who undermines team chemistry is a liability, especially for a squad with young players like Sigle who are still developing. Gardner-Johnson’s behavior could poison the locker room, disrupting the cohesion that has been a hallmark of the 49ers’ success under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Moreover, his inconsistent performance on the field makes him an even riskier addition. A player who fails to execute assignments reliably cannot be trusted to shore up a position already in need of stability. The 49ers’ defense thrives on discipline and teamwork, qualities that Gardner-Johnson has shown he lacks.
A Nod to DeMeco Ryans’ Judgment
The Texans’ head coach, DeMeco Ryans, is a familiar figure to the 49ers. Having served as their defensive coordinator before taking the helm in Houston, Ryans is well-respected in San Francisco. If Ryans deemed Gardner-Johnson unfit for his team after just three games, that decision should carry significant weight for the 49ers. Ryans’ experience with the 49ers’ culture gives him insight into what works in their locker room, and his swift move to cut ties with Gardner-Johnson is a clear signal that the safety is not worth the trouble.
A Hard Pass, Despite the Need
The 49ers’ safety position may be in a rough spot, even with Mustapha’s eventual return, but adding C.J. Gardner-Johnson would do more harm than good. His skills might offer a temporary boost, but the long-term cost of his toxic attitude and unreliable play outweighs any potential benefits. The 49ers must prioritize team chemistry and trust in their current roster, continuing to develop young talent like Sigle while exploring other options to address the position.
In the end, the 49ers should say, “Thanks, but no thanks,” to Gardner-Johnson. The 0-3 pain of Houston serves as a cautionary tale—a reminder that talent alone cannot overcome a toxic presence. San Francisco must resist the temptation and stay focused on building a cohesive, disciplined team capable of sustaining their early-season success.